the World’s Fastest Pencil Case {a tutorial in 10 easy steps}

2014 August 11

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I always try to make a little gift to send home with the kids at my daughters’ parties. There are quite a few opinions out there about take-home party gifts. I’ve read many a blog post about the merits of sending home items that will be used, provide entertainment and won’t get thrown out within a few days. So, my aim has always been to try to find something useful, and home-made. I am lucky because I have fun doing it, and I generally have the extra time it takes to make a handmade gift happen. One year it was homemade playdoh and cookie cutters. Another year they all got one of these beach towels. I think I also made bath crayons and wash cloths for everyone another year. This year I knew I was not going to have a lot of time, so I spent quite a while thinking about something fun that would be fast and this one is a winner!

I spent about 3 hours total making 13 pencil cases – which averages out to about 18 minutes each – and I know I took a coffee break in there a couple of times! Thirteen, of course, included one each for my kids as well – since you can’t leave them out. Anyhow, I needed the kids to have one for the photo-shoot! The packaging didn’t take long, since my husband designed-up a little 4×6 card to put in with the gift and we included a few fabric markers and a healthy snack. I even enlisted the kids to help me divide the 8-packs of markers into groups of 4. Hooray for help!

It helps to have this amazing IKEA Tidny fabric – because it definitely ready to colour. But, I think it would be fun to search through the Spoonflower library of designs and find something in just black and white that would work well. You could even design your own theme-appropriate fabric! The fabric markers I used get mixed reviews online, and I can tell you that they definitely don’t work on dark colours, but they are great for this project. And, true to the brand, they wash off of little hands just fine… I know from experience!

If you are scared off by the zipper, this project doesn’t even need a zipper foot. I used my regular zig-zag foot for the whole thing. Definitely give it a try! It might even work out to be a good project to make with your kids, since the beginning of school is soon upon us. (Don’t worry, I won’t mention it again.) And it also has a simple french seam on each edge, encasing the seam and providing an easy way to make this an un-lined, and still “nice-looking” pencil case!

You will need:

12″ zipper

12″ wide by 14″ high fabric – cotton/home decor weight/canvas

2 pieces of 3″ grosgrain ribbon

sewing machine, thread, scissors, chopstick

Here we go:

Unzip your zipper and lay one side along the top of your rectangle. The zipper teeth are facing down and the top of the zipper is aligned with the left side of the rectangle.

Pin/Glue if desired and stitch along the edge with an aprox. 1/4″ seam – attaching one side of the zipper to the pencil case. I put my presser foot right next to the zipper teeth and moved the needle to it’s left-most position. (I was extra quick by eyeballing the edge instead of pinning as I sewed each zipper on.)

With the zipper still unzipped, fold the pencil case right sides together and line up the left side. This helps to line the zipper up so both sides match when you are finished. Pin the second side of the zipper in place and stitch as in Step 2. (I only pinned it once, making sure it was aligned, and then lined the rest of the edge up as I went.)

Your pencil case should now be a tube. Turn and press the fabric away from the zipper teeth so it lays flat. Be careful not to heat up the teeth too much, so they don’t melt.

Now press the case again while it is right side out, this time measuring so the zipper is aprox. 2″ down from the top edge. Make sure the raw side edges are aligned, this will ensure the pencil case corners are squared up.

Open the zipper and stitch a wide zig-zag over the zipper tape and raw edges of your fabric. This is easier when sewn with the right side down and finishes the seam so the fabric will not fray. Fold each tab in half and pin them centred beside each end of the zipper.

Keep the case folded right sides out and stitch along each raw edge with a 1/4″ seam. Catch each tab in the seam as you go, and make sure to watch for any metal parts of the zipper so you do not stitch into them.

Make sure everything is well aligned and cut off the excess zipper.

Turn the pencil case right sides together and use a chopstitck or similar object to push the corners out. Stitch a 3/8″ seam down each side, enclosing the previous seam and the tabs. (Your french seam is done! Easy, peasy!)

Turn your pencil case right side out and give it a press. All done!

If you have any questions I’d love to help – you can email me: sherri@threadridinghood.com or contact me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

I’d love to see your creations! You can share your projects on Twitter and Instagram @sherrisylvester with the hashtag #alongforthreadride or #threadridinghood, or post them on the Thread Riding Hood Facebook page.

Awesome idea party favors!! My daughter’s birthday is in November, and when she was little I’d stock up on 24-packs of crayons during back-to-school, and then use them as party favors – along with a little scribble pad and some after-Halloween discounted candy. I did it for too many years to count, lol!

Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial. The pics are super clear, as are the instructions (always a big concern before one jumps into a tut!) I’ve pinned it for future reference. What really caught my eye is that I’ve been sewing with the exact same fabric for the past 3 days and actually said to my husband this morning that it would be perfect for colouring with fabric markers!

Thank you for this great tutorial! This is a great party gift, I have to remember this. A pencil case like this is also great to use for little sewing supplies to take with you when you’re going to sewing classes / club.
(Yes, I’m back. I’ve even written a new post… )

Hi – I made drawstring bags last year for my little one in the most amazing quirky superhero fabric but this year we’re lego themed so will do this but sew on 6 rounds onto plain fabric to make the block! Thanks

Was looking for an easy to sew pencil case to use up some camouflage trouser material – ideas for a church craft stall, low cost & appealing to children. My machine skills are rusty & basic so this looks like a great place to start. Feel encouraged to give it a go! Thank you

Love this!! I’m looking forward to making these for Operation Christmas Child boxes. Question….what are the ribbon loops for? Is thete a practical purpose or are they just hiding the ends of the zipper? Thanks!!

What is the finished size of the pencil case? I am a beginner sewer and making this with my daughter – I did a practice run with a scrap of fabric for our Sat Nav but it came out tiny! Want to make sure I get it right (and big enough) for the fabric she has chosen!

I’ve been making tote bags and using your pencil case tutorial to make a zippered pouch to sew onto the inside of the tote bag. I changed the dimensions a bit but your instructions are so clear and easy to follow.

I just love your website, blog and smile! I also love that you’re Canadian, me too!! I am first noticed your website because of a really fun jacket you were sewing and came right here. I am beginning to sew again after years of not having the time and your website is a real inspiration to me, thanks!!

Hi Hadassah. If you have access to a sewing machine and are 12 years old or older you can make this yourself! Just find the supplies and follow the directions. If you are a bit younger, ask for an adult’s help. If you have any questions while you are making it, please let me know!